Education
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Doctor of Health Science (DHSc), University of Indianapolis
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Master of Health Science (MHS), University of Indianapolis
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Bachelor of Science (BS), Physical Therapy, Indiana University
Biography
Dr. Britt has been a licensed physical therapist since 1999 and brings more than 25 years of clinical experience spanning acute care, critical care, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, oncology, orthopedics, neurological rehabilitation, pediatrics, and medical-surgical practice. Before transitioning to full-time higher education in 2019, she spent two decades in clinical practice and leadership roles and continues to maintain an active connection to patient care through PRN clinical practice.
Dr. Britt's clinical expertise centers on the rehabilitation of critically ill patients, particularly early mobilization of individuals requiring mechanical ventilation. She is committed to advancing interprofessional, team-based care that improves patient outcomes. Before joining Marian University, Dr. Britt held academic leadership positions in Physical Therapist Assistant education, teaching in both the Physical Therapist Assistant and Doctor of Physical Therapy programs while successfully leading a PTA program through CAPTE reaccreditation, earning the maximum 10-year accreditation award. She is dedicated to preparing future physical therapist assistants through evidence-based teaching, clinical reasoning, and professional identity formation while contributing to the advancement of the profession through scholarship, professional service, and community engagement.
Research and Scholarship
Research Interests:
Advancing physical therapist assistant education through research on clinical reasoning, professional identity formation, evidence-based practice, and innovative teaching strategies. Her primary research explores how clinical instructors recognize and foster the development of clinical reasoning in physical therapist assistant students and how simulation-based learning supports professional identity formation among pre-health students. She is committed to preparing future physical therapist assistants who deliver evidence-informed, patient-centered care.
Selected Presentations and Publications:
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Britt MA, Kenyon S. Rise Again: An OT/PT ICU Case with the Patient Perspective. Presented at: Indiana HOSA State Leadership Conference 2026; April 2026; Indianapolis, IN.
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Staab T, Britt M, Luper A, Flynn M, Fuchs R, Justice S. Enhancing Pre-Health Competencies and Professional Identity Formation Through Simulation-Based Learning. Presented at: National Association of Biology Teachers Annual Conference; October 2025; St. Louis, MO.
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Britt MA. Healing in Motion: Student Pathways to PT with HOSA and APTA. Presented at: Indiana Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) and Indiana Association for Career and Technical Education (IN-ACTE). September 2025; Indianapolis, IN.
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Britt MA, Borrero L, Emlich-Jochum J, Gleeson P. Clinical Instructors’ Descriptions of Student Physical Therapist Assistants’ Clinical Reasoning Skills. Platform presentation presented at: Educational Leadership Conference 2024; October 2024; Oakland, CA.
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Britt MA. Acknowledged contributor to the review of the Case History Assessment Tool (CHAT) through the ACAPT Clinical Reasoning Tool Shed Task Force. Contributions included tool review, assessment, and scholarly synthesis activities. 2025.
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Britt MA. Acknowledged contributor to the review of Systematic Clinical Reasoning in Physical Therapy (SCRIPT): A Tool for the Purposeful Practice of Clinical Reasoning in Orthopaedic
Awards and Honors:
Professional Service and Affiliations
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Item Writer, Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (NPTE-PTA)
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APTA Indiana Service Committee Co-Chair
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APTA PT Moves Me Education Ambassador
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APTA Clinical Reasoning Tool Shed Task Force Member
Community & Public Engagement
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Judge, Indiana Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Spring Leadership Conference
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Volunteer Instructor, Somatic Experiences workshops, Peace Restored (Mooresville, IN): Facilitate community-based educational sessions using gentle, movement-based approaches to promote stress management, body awareness, and overall well-being for women in the community.
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Volunteer, Buddy Program for Elementary Students with Special Needs, Traders Point Christian Church
Personal Info
Outside of Marian University, Dr. Britt enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband, two married children, and their families. Her Christian faith and commitment to serving others shape both her personal life and her approach to educating future healthcare professionals. She enjoys biking, hiking, and spending time outdoors with her two Golden Retrievers, reflecting her belief that movement is essential to lifelong health, wellness, and quality of life.
